Rasa allowed a smile to surface.
"The Konoha ninja were clearly preparing to move, but then they suddenly stopped. This can only mean something went wrong back in their village, and that something must be the Uchiha."
"Without Konoha's involvement, facing only the Mist... the Sand is still at a disadvantage, but it's not an impossible situation. We can hold the line."
However, his smile faded just as quickly.
"But even under these circumstances, the Konoha forces still haven't left the Wind border. They're still clinging to the idea of carving up the Sand. Greedy bastards."
"This means the trouble inside Konoha isn't big enough yet."
Rasa's eyes flickered as he looked at the translucent panel before him.
[Name: Rasa]
[Identity: Fourth Kazekage]
[Ninjutsu: Eye of Sand, etc.]
[Taijutsu: General Taijutsu]
[Genjutsu: None]
[Kekkei Genkai: Magnet Release - Gold Dust]
[Remaining Activation Points: 0]
[Remaining Points: 1001]
"Over 1000 points already?"
The number in the points column made Rasa's eyes light up with anticipation.
The last two draws had yielded a forged suicide note.
With a ten-draw this time, Rasa felt there was a high probability of getting more items, and of higher quality.
"Start the draw!"
An invisible wheel began to spin wildly.
[Congratulations Host. You have obtained F-Rank Item: One Ounce of Gold.]
...
[Congratulations Host. You have obtained D-Rank Item: One-Day Ninja Trial Card (Konoha Genin Edition).]
[Congratulations Host. You have obtained B-Rank Item: Ninjutsu Scroll (Wind Style: Vacuum Wave).]
Rasa raised an eyebrow.
[One-Day Ninja Trial Card (Konoha Genin Edition)]
—Create a name, age, and gender. Upon using the [One-Day Ninja Trial Card (Konoha Genin Edition)], the host will gain a 24-hour experience as that ninja.
"Now this... this is interesting."
An idea began to form in Rasa's mind.
If he could determine the name, age, and gender... could he create an Uchiha character?
Konoha was having internal issues because of the rumors.
But despite that, their ninja refused to leave the border, meaning the threat to the Sand remained.
"Since Konoha is so greedy, I have no choice but to make their problems... a little bigger."
"As an Uchiha."
Rasa turned his attention to the second item.
"Ninjutsu Scroll: Wind Style: Vacuum Wave."
"Danzo's signature jutsu."
Another idea sparked.
"When I use the [One-Day Ninja Trial Card], this Wind Style jutsu might come in handy. If used correctly, it could have a devastating effect."
Rasa opened the scroll and began to study it.
Every ninja village usually had a representative elemental affinity.
Cloud had Lightning.
Mist had Water.
Stone had Earth.
Konoha was a bit more complex, with all affinities present, though Fire Style was quite famous.
Sand had many Wind Style users.
But few were truly powerful.
The top-tier ninja of the Sand usually specialized in Puppet Technique or Magnet Release.
Rasa was the poster child for Magnet Release.
But that didn't mean he couldn't use Wind Style or lacked the Wind affinity.
Vacuum Wave—After weaving hand signs, the user exhales a sharp, blade-like breath similar to a sickle weasel. It is incredibly sharp, capable of easily slicing through both flesh and protective chakra.
Rasa closed his eyes, simulating the technique in his mind.
A short while later, he opened them.
He went to the roof of the Kazekage Building.
"Wind Style: Vacuum Wave!"
A white streak of pressurized air shot from Rasa's mouth, aimed at a stone pillar opposite him.
Crack!
The pillar snapped cleanly in half under the force of the vacuum wave.
Thud!
The top half began to plummet.
With a thought from Rasa, a cloud of Gold Dust materialized, catching the falling stone and gently lowering it to the ground. Otherwise, it would have smashed a crater into the roof.
"Decent power."
"A bit slow on the startup."
"For my personal strength, it's not a huge upgrade."
But Rasa hadn't learned this jutsu to boost his own power. He learned it because he felt it would be useful when using the [One-Day Ninja Trial Card].
Around noon, having finished the morning's paperwork, Rasa stood up to go home.
Suddenly.
Knock! Knock! Knock!
A knock at the door.
"Come in."
Pakura walked in, carrying a wooden bento box.
"Husband."
She stepped forward and placed the box on his desk.
"You made this?"
Rasa asked instinctively.
Pakura blushed.
"I don't know how to cook. Karura-neesan made it. When I woke up this morning, she had already prepared breakfast for me. I didn't even help with lunch."
"Karura-neesan is truly a gentle and wonderful person."
Rasa nodded.
After he finished the lunch bento, Pakura's expression turned serious.
"Husband."
"I am requesting permission to head to the front lines this afternoon."
"The Mist will undoubtedly launch a fierce offensive now that they know about our wedding. If I'm not on the front lines, the village will suffer heavy casualties."
Rasa fell silent.
She was right.
Given the Sand's current predicament, there was no better option.
"Have you fully recovered?"
"Completely."
Pakura smiled and patted her chest confidently.
"Don't worry, Husband. I won't be reckless. I wouldn't ask if I wasn't sure I could handle it."
Rasa stood up, walked over to Pakura, and pulled her into a tight embrace.
Pakura stiffened for a split second, then relaxed, resting her head on his shoulder.
"When you get to the front, don't be too aggressive. Stay safe. The Mist will definitely target you."
"Our goal in this war is attrition. The longer it drags on, the higher our chances of winning."
"But the prerequisite is that you survive. Killing a few more enemies is meaningless if you die. You are more valuable to the village alive."
"And if something happens to you... I will be sad."
Pakura nodded.
"Rest assured, Husband."
Rasa personally saw Pakura off at the village gates.
A squad of a dozen ninja followed closely behind her. The team was built around her, their abilities complementing hers to maximize efficiency.
Rasa watched until their figures became small dots and finally disappeared into the horizon.
"The Hidden Mist..."
"Konoha..."
"I absolutely cannot let Konoha have the spare energy to attack my village."